Pafos FC's Champions League Debut: A Dream Run with David Luiz
Cypriot side Pafos FC are set to make their Champions League debut on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone just 11 years after the club's formation. Their journey includes a first-ever European appearance last season, reaching the Conference League last 16, and securing their first league title. Now, they face Olympiacos in their inaugural Champions League group stage match.
A Historic Qualification
Pafos FC's path to the Champions League was paved with victories over Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Dynamo Kyiv, and Red Star Belgrade in the qualifying rounds. Alongside Kairat Almaty, they are one of only two teams making their debut in the competition this season. This achievement has sparked immense excitement within the club, as noted by defender David Luiz, who joined Pafos in August.
"Everybody was in ecstasy... Everybody was totally happy because we did something amazing. Nobody expected us to be in the Champions League this season. I'm very happy to be here because I can see this feeling, with everybody's hunger, to do something great." - David Luiz, Pafos FC Defender
Olympiacos vs. Pafos FC: Preview
Olympiacos will host Pafos FC at the Karaiskakis Stadium in their opening Champions League fixture. Olympiacos returns to the competition after a four-year absence, securing automatic qualification after winning the Super League. They approach the game in high spirits, following a dominant 5-0 victory over Panserraikos in the Super League.
Pafos, coached by Juan Carlos Carcedo, has made remarkable progress in recent years. Winning the Cypriot Cup in 2023-24 and the league title in 2024-25 paved the way for their Champions League opportunity. They will aim to cause an upset against an Olympiacos side that has struggled in recent Champions League group stage matches.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Olympiacos faces fitness concerns with Gelson Martins and Rodinei. Alexandros Paschalakis is likely to start in goal due to Konstantinos Tzolakis's suspension. Mehdi Taremi is in contention for his first start. For Pafos, Derrick Luckassen is available despite his domestic suspension, and David Luiz provides an experienced option in defense. Jaja, despite his crucial qualifying goal, is expected to start on the bench.
| Team | Possible Starting Lineup |
|---|---|
| Olympiacos | Paschalakis; Ortega, Biancone, Retsos, Costinha; Nascimento, Garcia; Podence, Chiquinho, Strefezza; Taremi |
| Pafos FC | Michael; Langa, Luckassen, Goldar, Pileas; Sunjic, Pepe; Bruno, Dragomir, Orsic; Andersen |
Prediction
Olympiacos enters the match with greater experience and momentum, making them favorites to win. A routine victory for the home side is expected. While Pafos FC has defied expectations to reach this stage, Olympiacos's pedigree is likely to prevail.
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-0 Pafos FC